Dishwasher with door assembly

ABSTRACT

A dishwasher for treating dishes according to a cycle of operation, the dishwasher comprising a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber having an open face for receiving dishes a door assembly movable between opened and closed positions the door assembly comprising a door panel, a pocket handle defining a pocket width and proximate the top of the door panel for selectively opening and closing the open face of the tub, and a console coupled to the top of the door panel and comprising an isogrid structure at a location proximate the pocket handle.

BACKGROUND

Contemporary automatic dish treating appliances for use in a typicalhousehold include a cabinet with an access opening and a tub that canhave an open front and at least partially defines a treating chamberinto which items, such as kitchenware, glassware, and the like, can beplaced to undergo a treating operation, such as washing. At least onerack or basket, generally referred to as a dish rack, for supportingsoiled dishes can be provided within the tub. A silverware or utensilbasket for holding utensils, silverware, cutlery, and the like, may alsobe provided and is generally removably mounted to the door or within thedish rack.

Any one of the soiled dishes or utensils, silverware, cutlery, and thelike, can be positioned for cleaning in the dish rack. In some caseswhen moving the dish rack in and out of the dishwasher, one of thesoiled dishes or utensils, silverware, cutlery, and the like, can hit,become stuck by or otherwise interact with the sprayer making movementinto the dishwasher difficult or cease for the dish rack.Inconveniently, users have to remove the dish rack, inspect the dishrack for the dish causing an interaction, reposition or remove the dishand attempt to move the dish rack back into the dishwasher.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

The disclosure relates to a dishwasher for treating dishes according toa cycle of operation, the dishwasher comprising a tub at least partiallydefining a treating chamber having an open face for receiving dishes adoor assembly movable between opened and closed positions the doorassembly comprising a door panel having an inner panel surface facingthe treating chamber when the door assembly is in the closed position,spanning between a top and a bottom and between opposing sides, andhaving a set of top flanges extending from the top of the door panel; apocket handle defining a pocket width and proximate the top of the doorpanel for selectively opening and closing the open face of the tub; aconsole having at least one tab coupled to the set of top flanges with afastener; and a grid structure integral with the console at a locationproximate the pocket handle.

Another aspect of the disclosure relates to a dishwasher for treatingdishes according to a cycle of operation, the dishwasher comprising atub at least partially defining a treating chamber having an open facefor receiving dishes a door assembly movable between opened and closedpositions the door assembly comprising a door panel having an innerpanel surface facing the treating chamber when the door assembly is inthe closed position, spanning between a top and a bottom and betweenopposing sides, and having a set of side flanges extending from at leastone of the opposing sides at the top of the door panel, a pocket handledefining a pocket width and proximate the top of the door panel forselectively opening and closing the open face of the tub, a consolehaving at least one end mount coupled to the set of side flanges with afastener; a grid structure integral with the console at a locationproximate the pocket handle.

Another aspect of the disclosure relates to a dishwasher for treatingdishes according to a cycle of operation, the dishwasher comprising atub at least partially defining a treating chamber having an open facefor receiving dishes a door assembly movable between opened and closedpositions the door assembly comprising a door panel having an innerpanel surface facing the treating chamber when the door assembly is inthe closed position, spanning between a top and a bottom and betweenopposing sides, a pocket handle defining a pocket width and proximatethe top of the door panel for selectively opening and closing the openface of the tub, and a console coupled to the top of the door panel andcomprising an isogrid structure at a location proximate the pockethandle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a right-side perspective view of an automatic dishwasherhaving multiple systems for implementing an automatic cycle ofoperation.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the dishwasher of FIG. 1 and illustratingat least some of the plumbing and electrical connections between atleast some of systems.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a controller of the dishwasher of FIGS. 1and 2 .

FIG. 4 is a front view of a door assembly for the dishwasher of FIG. 1according to an aspect of the disclosure herein.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the door assembly from FIG. 4 including adoor panel, a console, and a pocket handle.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the console from FIG. 5 according to anaspect of the disclosure herein.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a corner of the door assembly from FIG. 5according to an aspect of the disclosure herein.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of an assembled door assembly from FIG. 5including the door panel, console, and pocket handle.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the assembled door assembly alongline IX-IX from FIG. 8 .

FIG. 10 is a is a cross-sectional view of the assembled door assemblyalong line X-X from FIG. 8 .

FIG. 11 an enlarged view of a variation of the console from FIG. 4according to another aspect of the disclosure herein.

FIG. 12 is a front view of a door assembly for the dishwasher of FIG. 1according to another aspect of the disclosure herein.

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the door assembly from FIG. 12 includinga door panel, a console, and a pocket handle.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of an assembled door assembly from FIG. 13including the door panel, console, and pocket handle.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the assembled door assembly alongline XV-XV from FIG. 14 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an automatic dishwasher 10 capable of implementing anautomatic cycle of operation to treat dishes. As used in thisdescription, the term “dish(es)” is intended to be generic to any item,single or plural, that can be treated in the dishwasher 10, including,without limitation, dishes, plates, pots, bowls, pans, glassware, andsilverware. As illustrated, the dishwasher 10 is a built-in dishwasherimplementation, which is designed for mounting under a countertop.However, this description is applicable to other dishwasherimplementations such as a stand-alone, drawer-type or a sink-type, forexample.

The dishwasher 10 has a variety of systems, some of which arecontrollable, to implement the automatic cycle of operation. A chassisis provided to support the variety of systems needed to implement theautomatic cycle of operation. As illustrated, for a built-inimplementation, the chassis includes a frame in the form of a base 12 onwhich is supported an open-faced tub 14, which at least partiallydefines a treating chamber 16, having an open face 18, for receiving thedishes. A closure in the form of a door assembly 20 is pivotally mountedto the base 12 for movement between opened and closed positions toselectively open and close the open face 18 of the tub 14. Thus, thedoor assembly 20 provides selective accessibility to the treatingchamber 16 for the loading and unloading of dishes or other items. Whileillustrated as a single panel, multiple parts can together define thedoor assembly 20.

The chassis, as in the case of the built-in dishwasher implementation,can be formed by other parts of the dishwasher 10, like the tub 14 andthe door assembly 20, in addition to a dedicated frame structure, likethe base 12, with them all collectively forming a uni-body frame towhich the variety of systems are supported. In other implementations,like the drawer-type dishwasher, the chassis can be a tub that isslidable relative to a frame, with the closure being a part of thechassis or the countertop of the surrounding cabinetry. In a sink-typeimplementation, the sink forms the tub and the cover closing the opentop of the sink forms the closure. Sink-type implementations are morecommonly found in recreational vehicles.

The systems supported by the chassis, while essentially limitless, caninclude dish holding system 30, spray system 40, recirculation system50, drain system 60, water supply system 70, drying system 80, heatingsystem 90, and filter system 63. These systems are used to implement oneor more treating cycles of operation for the dishes, for which there aremany, and one of which includes a traditional automatic wash cycle.

A basic traditional automatic wash cycle of operation has a wash phase,where a detergent/water mixture is recirculated and then drained, whichis then followed by a rinse phase where water alone or with a rinseagent is recirculated and then drained. An optional drying phase canfollow the rinse phase. More commonly, the automatic wash cycle hasmultiple wash phases and multiple rinse phases. The multiple wash phasescan include a pre-wash phase where water, with or without detergent, issprayed or recirculated on the dishes, and can include a dwell orsoaking phase. There can be more than one pre-wash phases. A wash phase,where water with detergent is recirculated on the dishes, follows thepre-wash phases. There can be more than one wash phase; the number ofwhich can be sensor controlled based on the amount of sensed soils inthe wash liquid. One or more rinse phases will follow the wash phase(s),and, in some cases, come between wash phases. The number of wash phasescan also be sensor controlled based on the amount of sensed soils in therinse liquid. The wash phases and rinse phases can include the heatingof the water, even to the point of one or more of the phases being hotenough for long enough to sanitize the dishes. A drying phase can followthe rinse phase(s). The drying phase can include a drip dry, heated dry,condensing dry, air dry or any combination.

A controller 22 can also be included in the dishwasher 10 and operablycouples with and controls the various components of the dishwasher 10 toimplement the cycle of operation. The controller 22 can be locatedwithin the door assembly 20 as illustrated, or it can alternatively belocated somewhere within the chassis. The controller 22 can also beoperably coupled with a control panel or user interface 24 for receivinguser-selected inputs and communicating information to the user. The userinterface 24 can include operational controls such as dials, lights,switches, and displays enabling a user to input commands, such as acycle of operation, to the controller 22 and receive information.

The dish holding system 30 can include any suitable structure forholding dishes within the treating chamber 16. Exemplary dish holdersare illustrated in the form of upper dish racks 32 and lower dish rack34, commonly referred to as “racks”, which are located within thetreating chamber 16. The upper dish racks 32 and the lower dish rack 34are typically mounted for slidable movement in and out of the treatingchamber 16 through the open face 18 for ease of loading and unloading.Drawer guides/slides/rails 36 are typically used to slidably mount theupper dish rack 32 to the tub 14. The lower dish rack 34 typically haswheels or rollers 38 that roll along rails 39 formed in sidewalls of thetub 14 and onto the door assembly 20, when the door assembly 20 is inthe opened position.

Dedicated dish holders can also be provided. One such dedicated dishholder is a third level rack 28 located above the upper dish rack 32.Like the upper dish rack 32, the third level rack is slidably mounted tothe tub 14 with drawer guides/slides/rails 36. The third level rack 28is typically used to hold utensils, such as tableware, spoons, knives,spatulas, etc., in an on-the-side or flat orientation. However, thethird level rack 28 is not limited to holding utensils. If an item canfit in the third level rack, it can be washed in the third level rack28. The third level rack 28 generally has a much shorter height or lowerprofile than the upper and lower dish racks 32, 34. Typically, theheight of the third level rack is short enough that a typical glasscannot be stood vertically in the third level rack 28 and the thirdlevel rack 28 still slide into the treating chamber 16.

Another dedicated dish holder can be a silverware basket (not shown),which is typically carried by one of the upper or lower dish racks 32,34 or mounted to the door assembly 20. The silverware basket typicallyholds utensils and the like in an upright orientation as compared to theon-the-side or flat orientation of the third level rack 28.

A dispenser assembly 48 is provided to dispense treating chemistry, e.g.detergent, anti-spotting agent, etc., into the treating chamber 16. Thedispenser assembly 48 can be mounted on an inner surface of the doorassembly 20, as shown, or can be located at other positions within thechassis. The dispenser assembly 48 can dispense one or more types oftreating chemistries. The dispenser assembly 48 can be a single-usedispenser or a bulk dispenser, or a combination of both.

Turning to FIG. 2 , the spray system 40 is provided for spraying liquidin the treating chamber 16 and can have multiple spray assemblies orsprayers, some of which can be dedicated to a particular one of the dishholders, to particular area of a dish holder, to a particular type ofcleaning, or to a particular level of cleaning, etc. The sprayers can befixed or movable, such as rotating, relative to the treating chamber 16or dish holder. Six exemplary sprayers are illustrated and include, anupper spray arm 41, a lower spray arm 42, a third level sprayer 43, adeep-clean sprayer 44, and a spot sprayer 45. The upper spray arm 41 andlower spray arm 42 are rotating spray arms, located below the upper dishrack 32 and lower dish rack 34, respectively, and rotate about agenerally centrally located and vertical axis. The third level sprayer43 is located above the third level rack 28. The third level sprayer 43is illustrated as being fixed, but could move, such as in rotating. Inaddition to the third level sprayer 43 or in place of the third levelsprayer 43, a sprayer 49 can be located at least in part below a portionof the third level rack 28. The sprayer 49 is illustrated as a fixedtube, carried by the third level rack 28, but could move, such as inrotating about a longitudinal axis.

The deep-clean sprayer 44 is a manifold extending along a rear wall ofthe tub 14 and has multiple nozzles 46, with multiple apertures 47,generating an intensified and/or higher pressure spray than the upperspray arm 41, the lower spray arm 42, or the third level sprayer 43. Thenozzles 46 can be fixed or move, such as in rotating. The spray emittedby the deep-clean sprayer 44 defines a deep clean zone, which, asillustrated, would like along a rear side of the lower dish rack 34.Thus, dishes needing deep cleaning, such as dishes with baked-on food,can be located in the lower dish rack 34 to face the deep-clean sprayer44. The deep-clean sprayer 44, while illustrated as only one unit on arear wall of the tub 14 could comprises multiple units and/or extendalong multiple portions, including different walls, of the tub 14, andcan be provide above, below or beside any of the dish holders withdeep-cleaning is desired.

The spot sprayer 45, like the deep-clean sprayer, can emit anintensified and/or higher-pressure spray, especially to a discretelocation within one of the dish holders. While the spot sprayer 45 isshown below the lower dish rack 34, it could be adjacent any part of anydish holder or along any wall of the tub where special cleaning isdesired. In the illustrated location below the lower dish rack 34, thespot sprayer can be used independently of or in combination with thelower spray arm 42. The spot sprayer 45 can be fixed or can move, suchas in rotating.

These six sprayers are illustrative examples of suitable sprayers andare not meant to be limiting as to the type of suitable sprayers.

The recirculation system 50 recirculates the liquid sprayed into thetreating chamber 16 by the sprayers of the spray system 40 back to thesprayers to form a recirculation loop or circuit by which liquid can berepeatedly and/or continuously sprayed onto dishes in the dish holders.The recirculation system 50 can include a sump 51 and a pump assembly52. The sump 51 collects the liquid sprayed in the treating chamber 16and can be formed by a sloped or recess portion of a bottom wall of thetub 14. The pump assembly 52 can include one or more pumps such asrecirculation pump 53. The sump 51 can also be a separate module that isaffixed to the bottom wall and include the pump assembly 52.

Multiple supply conduits 54, 55, 56, 57, 58 fluidly couple the sprayers43, 44, 45, 49 to the recirculation pump 53. A recirculation valve 59can selectively fluidly couple each of the conduits 54-58 to therecirculation pump 53. While each sprayer 43, 44, 45, 49 is illustratedas having a corresponding dedicated supply conduit 54-58 one or moresubsets, comprising multiple sprayers from the total group of sprayers43, 44, 45, 49, can be supplied by the same conduit, negating the needfor a dedicated conduit for each sprayer. For example, a single conduitcan supply the upper spray arm 41 and the third level sprayer 43.Another example is that the sprayer 49 is supplied liquid by the conduit56, which also supplies the third level sprayer 43.

The recirculation valve 59, while illustrated as a single valve, can beimplemented with multiple valves. Additionally, one or more of theconduits can be directly coupled to the recirculation pump 53, while oneor more of the other conduits can be selectively coupled to therecirculation pump with one or more valves. There are essentially anunlimited number of plumbing schemes to connect the recirculation system50 to the spray system 40. The illustrated plumbing is not limiting.

A drain system 60 drains liquid from the treating chamber 16. The drainsystem 60 includes a drain pump 61 fluidly coupled the treating chamber16 to a drain line 62. As illustrated the drain pump 61 fluidly couplesthe sump 51 to the drain line 62.

While separate recirculation and drain pumps 53 and 62 are illustrated,a single pump can be used to perform both the recirculating and thedraining functions. Alternatively, the drain pump 61 can be used torecirculate liquid in combination with the recirculation pump 53. Whenboth a recirculation pump 53 and drain pump 61 are used, the drain pump61 is typically more robust than the recirculation pump 53 as the drainpump 61 tends to have to remove solids and soils from the sump 51,unlike the recirculation pump 53, which tends to recirculate liquidwhich has solids and soils filtered away to some extent.

A water supply system 70 is provided for supplying fresh water to thedishwasher 10 from a household water supply via a household water valve71. The water supply system 70 includes a water supply unit 72 having awater supply conduit 73 with a siphon break 74. While the water supplyconduit 73 can be directly fluidly coupled to the tub 14 or any otherportion of the dishwasher 10, the water supply conduit is shown fluidlycoupled to a supply tank 75, which can store the supplied water prior touse. The supply tank 75 is fluidly coupled to the sump 51 by a supplyline 76, which can include a controllable valve 77 to control when wateris released from the supply tank 75 to the sump 51.

The supply tank 75 can be conveniently sized to store a predeterminedvolume of water, such as a volume required for a phase of the cycle ofoperation, which is commonly referred to as a “charge” of water. Thestoring of the water in the supply tank 75 prior to use is beneficial inthat the water in the supply tank 75 can be “treated” in some manner,such as softening or heating prior to use.

A water softener 78 is provided with the water supply system 70 tosoften the fresh water. The water softener 78 is shown fluidly couplingthe water supply conduit 73 to the supply tank 75 so that the suppliedwater automatically passes through the water softener 78 on the way tothe supply tank 75. However, the water softener 78 could directly supplythe water to any other part of the dishwasher 10 than the supply tank75, including directly supplying the tub 14. Alternatively, the watersoftener 78 can be fluidly coupled downstream of the supply tank 75,such as in-line with the supply line 76. Wherever the water softener 78is fluidly coupled, it can be done so with controllable valves, suchthat the use of the water softener 78 is controllable and not mandatory.

A drying system 80 is provided to aid in the drying of the dishes duringthe drying phase. The drying system as illustrated includes a condensingassembly 81 having a condenser 82 formed of a serpentine conduit 83 withan inlet fluidly coupled to an upper portion of the tub 14 and an outletfluidly coupled to a lower portion of the tub 14, whereby moisture ladenair within the tub 14 is drawn from the upper portion of the tub 14,passed through the serpentine conduit 83, where liquid condenses out ofthe moisture laden air and is returned to the treating chamber 16 whereit ultimately evaporates or is drained via the drain pump 61. Theserpentine conduit 83 can be operated in an open loop configuration,where the air is exhausted to atmosphere, a closed loop configuration,where the air is returned to the treating chamber, or a combination ofboth by operating in one configuration and then the other configuration.

To enhance the rate of condensation, the temperature difference betweenthe exterior of the serpentine conduit 83 and the moisture laden air canbe increased by cooling the exterior of the serpentine conduit 83 or thesurrounding air. To accomplish this, an optional cooling tank 84 isadded to the condensing assembly 81, with the serpentine conduit 83being located within the cooling tank 84. The cooling tank 84 is fluidlycoupled to at least one of the spray system 40, recirculation system 50,drain system 60 or water supply system 70 such that liquid can besupplied to the cooling tank 84. The liquid provided to the cooling tank84 from any of the systems 40-70 can be selected by source and/or byphase of cycle of operation such that the liquid is at a lowertemperature than the moisture laden air or even lower than the ambientair.

As illustrated, the liquid is supplied to the cooling tank 84 by thedrain system 60. A valve 85 fluidly connects the drain line 62 to asupply conduit 86 fluidly coupled to the cooling tank 84. A returnconduit 87 fluidly connects the cooling tank 84 back to the treatingchamber 16 via a return valve 79. In this way a fluid circuit is formedby the drain pump 61, drain line 62, valve 85, supply conduit 86,cooling tank 84, return valve 79 and return conduit 87 through whichliquid can be supplied from the treating chamber 16, to the cooling tank84, and back to the treating chamber 16. Alternatively, the supplyconduit 86 could fluidly couple to the drain line 62 if re-use of thewater is not desired.

To supply cold water from the household water supply via the householdwater valve 71 to the cooling tank 84, the water supply system 70 wouldfirst supply cold water to the treating chamber 16, then the drainsystem 60 would supply the cold water in the treating chamber 16 to thecooling tank 84. It should be noted that the supply tank 75 and coolingtank 84 could be configured such that one tank performs both functions.

The drying system 80 can use ambient air, instead of cold water, to coolthe exterior of the serpentine conduit 83. In such a configuration, ablower 88 is connected to the cooling tank 84 and can supply ambient airto the interior of the cooling tank 84. The cooling tank 84 can have avented top 89 to permit the passing through of the ambient air to allowfor a steady flow of ambient air blowing over the serpentine conduit 83.

The cooling air from the blower 88 can be used in lieu of the cold wateror in combination with the cold water. The cooling air will be used whenthe cooling tank 84 is not filled with liquid. Advantageously, the useof cooling air or cooling water, or combination of both, can be selectedon the site-specific environmental conditions. If ambient air is coolerthan the cold water temperature, then the ambient air can be used. Ifthe cold water is cooler than the ambient air, then the cold water canbe used. Cost-effectiveness can also be considered when selectingbetween cooling air and cooling water. The blower 88 can be used to drythe interior of the cooling tank 84 after the water has been drained.Suitable temperature sensors for the cold water and the ambient air canbe provided and send their temperature signals to the controller 22,which can determine which of the two is colder at any time or phase ofthe cycle of operation.

A heating system 90 is provided for heating water used in the cycle ofoperation. The heating system 90 includes a heater 92, such as animmersion heater, located in the treating chamber 16 at a location whereit will be immersed by the water supplied to the treating chamber 16.The heater 92 need not be an immersion heater, it can also be an in-lineheater located in any of the conduits. There can also be more than oneheater 92, including both an immersion heater and an in-line heater.

The heating system 90 can also include a heating circuit 93, whichincludes a heat exchanger 94, illustrated as a serpentine conduit 95,located within the supply tank 75, with a supply conduit 96 supplyingliquid from the treating chamber 16 to the serpentine conduit 95, and areturn conduit 97 fluidly coupled to the treating chamber 16. Theheating circuit 93 is fluidly coupled to the recirculation pump 53either directly or via the recirculation valve 59 such that liquid thatis heated as part of a cycle of operation can be recirculated throughthe heat exchanger 94 to transfer the heat to the charge of fresh waterresiding in the supply tank 75. As most wash phases use liquid that isheated by the heater 92, this heated liquid can then be recirculatedthrough the heating circuit 93 to transfer the heat to the charge ofwater in the supply tank 75, which is typically used in the next phaseof the cycle of operation.

A filter system 63 is provided to filter un-dissolved solids from theliquid in the treating chamber 16. The filter system 63 includes acoarse filter 64 and a fine filter 65, which can be a removable basket66 residing the sump 51, with the coarse filter 64 being a screen 67circumscribing the removable basket 66. Additionally, the recirculationsystem 50 can include a rotating filter in addition to or in place ofthe either or both of the coarse filter 64 and fine filter 65. Otherfilter arrangements are contemplated such as an ultrafiltration system.

As illustrated schematically in FIG. 3 , the controller 22 can becoupled with the heater 92 for heating the wash liquid during a cycle ofoperation, the drain pump 61 for draining liquid from the treatingchamber 16, and the recirculation pump 53 for recirculating the washliquid during the cycle of operation. The controller 22 can be providedwith a memory 68 and a central processing unit (CPU) 69. The memory 68can be used for storing control software that can be executed by the CPU69 in completing a cycle of operation using the dishwasher 10 and anyadditional software. For example, the memory 68 can store one or morepre-programmed automatic cycles of operation that can be selected by auser and executed by the dishwasher 10. The controller 22 can alsoreceive input from one or more sensors 91. Non-limiting examples ofsensors that can be communicably coupled with the controller 22 include,to name a few, ambient air temperature sensor, treating chambertemperature sensor, water supply temperature sensor, door open/closesensor, and turbidity sensor to determine the soil load associated witha selected grouping of dishes, such as the dishes associated with aparticular area of the treating chamber. The controller 22 can alsocommunicate with the recirculation valve 59, the household water valve71, the controllable valve 77, the return valve 79, and the valve 85.Optionally, the controller 22 can include or communicate with a wirelesscommunication device 98.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the door assembly 20 according to an aspect ofthe disclosure herein. The door assembly 20 can include, among otherthings, a console 100, a pocket handle 102, and a door panel 104. Eachof the console 100, pocket handle 102, and door panel 104 can beseparate pieces coupled to each other during assembly to define the doorassembly 20 for accessing the dishwasher 10. It is further contemplatedthat the pocket handle 102 can be formed with the door panel 104 as onepiece. A cap portion 102 a can extend behind the console 100 asillustrated in dashed line. A pocket portion 102 b together with the capportion 102 a can define the pocket handle 102. The pocket handle 102 isillustrated as an oblong rounded shape, it should be understood,however, that the pocket handle 102 can be any suitable shape enabling auser to grasp the pocket handle 102 in order to move the door assembly20 between the opened and closed positions.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the door assembly 20 illustrating aninterior view of the console 100, the pocket handle 102, and the doorpanel 104. It should be understood that while not illustrated, othercomponents can be included in the door assembly 20, and are not shownfor clarity.

The door panel 104 can include an inner panel surface 106 defining aplane 108 facing the treating chamber 16 when the door assembly 20 is inthe closed position. It is contemplated that an additional part can beformed or attached to the inner panel surface 106 before assembly suchthat the inner panel surface 106 as illustrated is not necessarily thesurface to which other parts are attached or mounted to. The inner panelsurface 106 can span from a bottom 110 of the door panel 104 to a top112 of the door panel 104 and between opposing sides 114. The bottom 110of the door panel 104 can define a bottom of the door assembly 20 wherethe door assembly is pivotally mounted to the base 12. A set of flanges116 can extend from the inner panel surface 106 for mounting with othercomponents of the door assembly 20. The set of flanges 116 can include,but is not limited to, a set of side flanges 118 and a set of topflanges 120.

The door panel 104 can include sidewalls 122 extending toward thetreating chamber 16 from the opposing sides 114. The set of side flanges118 can extend from the sidewalls 122 in a direction generally parallelto the plane 108. The set of side flanges 118 can include at least onetop side flange 124 illustrated as a pair of top side flanges, oneextending from each of the sidewalls 122.

The set of top flanges 120 can include a first leg 126 extending towardthe treating chamber 16. The first leg 126 can extend in a directiongenerally perpendicular to the plane 108. The first leg 126 can includeat least one opening 128. A second leg 130 can extend from the first leg126 toward the bottom 110. The second leg 130 can extend in a directiongenerally parallel to the plane 108. A set of flange holes 132 can belocated in the set of flanges 116. By way of non-limiting example, afirst set of flange holes 132 a can be located in the set of top flanges120 and a second set of flange holes 132 b can be located in the atleast one top side flange 124.

A pocket handle assembly 134 can include first and second parts 134 a,134 b. The first part 134 a can be a singular piece including the capportion 102 a. A mounting frame 136 can extend upwards from the capportion 102 a. A first set of pocket holes 138 a can be located in anuppermost portion of the mounting frame 136. A first set of mountingholes 140, by way of non-limiting example a single mounting hole, can belocated at a central bottom portion of the cap portion 102 a.

The second part 134 b can be a singular piece having a planar portion142 generally parallel to the plane 108. The pocket portion 102 b can bea cavity extending toward the treating chamber from the planar portion142. A set of legs 144 can extend from the planar portion 142 in adirection generally perpendicular to the plane 108 and toward thetreating chamber 16. The set of legs 144 can come into surface contactwith a panel cover 145 (FIG. 1 ) of the door assembly 20 to provideadditional structural support when closing the door assembly 20. Apocket tab 146 can extend from a rim 148 of the pocket portion 102 b ina direction generally parallel to the plane 108. The pocket tab 146 canbe centrally located with respect to the pocket handle assembly 134. Asecond set of pocket holes 138 b, by way of non-limiting example asingular pocket hole 138 b, can extend through the pocket tab 146.

The console 100 can include an inner console surface 150. The innerconsole surface 150 can extend in the same plane 108 as the inner panelsurface 106. The inner console surface 150 can span from a bottom 152 ofthe console to a top 154 of the console 100 and between opposing sides156 of the console 100. The top 154 of the console 100 can define a topof the door assembly 20 movable between the closed and open positionsfor access to the treating chamber 16. A second set of mounting holes158 can extend from the inner console surface proximate the top 154 ofthe console 100. At least one tab 160 can extend from the bottom 152 ofthe console 100. The at least one tab 160 can be multiple tabs, by wayof non-limiting example four tabs as illustrated. The at least one tab160 can include a third set of mounting holes 162.

The console 100 can further include at least one end mount 164,illustrated as two end mounts extending from the opposing sides 156 ofthe console 100. The at least one end mount 164 can have a generallytriangular shape for stability. The at least one end mount 164 caninclude a fourth set of mounting holes 166.

When assembled, the at least one tab 160 of the console 100 can bereceived in the at least one opening 128 of the door panel 104. Asuitable fastener 168, by way of non-limiting example a screw, canextend through the first set of flange holes 132 a and into the thirdset of mounting holes 162. Another suitable fastener 168 can extendthrough the second set of flange holes 132 b and into the fourth set ofmounting holes 166. An additional suitable fastener 168 can extendthrough the first set of pocket holes 138 a and into the second set ofmounting holes 158. Yet another fastener 168 can extend through thesecond set of pocket holes 138 b and into the first set of mountingholes 140. While each fastener 168 is illustrated as a screw of similarsize, it should be understood that the fasteners 168 can be various sizeand shapes depending on the holes though which they are received.Furthermore, it should be understood that any number of fasteners iscontemplated.

A grid structure 170 can be centrally located along the inner consolesurface 150. The grid structure 170 can provide structural integrity forthe door assembly 20 where the pocket handle 102 is located. The gridstructure 170 can extend along the inner console surface 150 a lengthequal to or greater than a width of the pocket handle 102.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the console 100 with a clearer view of thegrid structure 170. The grid structure 170 can have a honeycomb pattern.Any tessellation pattern with a repeating shape 172, by way ofnon-limiting example the hexagon, and no overlaps or gaps can beutilized in the grid structure 170. The grid structure 170 is raised athickness (T) from the inner console surface 150. The grid structure 170can extend a length (L) and height (H) along the inner console surface150. While illustrated as extending about midway between the bottom 152of the console 100 and the top 154 of the console 100, the height (H) ofthe grid structure 170 can also extend a full width of the console 100.

It can more clearly be seen that additional tabs 174, by way ofnon-limiting example T-tabs, can extend from the bottom 152 of theconsole 100. Access openings 176 for the operational controls associatedwith the user interface 24 can also be included in the console 100. Avent 178 can also be provided on the console 100.

Additionally, the second set of mounting holes 158 can be more clearlyseen. At least one holder 180 can extend from the inner console surface150. The at least one holder 180 can be multiple holders for receivingthe mounting frame 136 to hold the mounting frame 136 in place in tandemwith the second set of mounting holes 158.

Turning to FIG. 7 , an enlarged view of a corner of the door panel 104is illustrated. It can more clearly be seen that together with the innerpanel surface 106, the first and second legs 126, 130 form anupside-down J-shape 182 defining a J-flange 184 open to the bottom 110of the door panel 104. FIG. 7 more clearly illustrates an additionalopening 186 that can be formed in the first leg 126 for receiving theadditional tabs 174 (FIG. 6 ).

FIG. 8 is an assembled view of the console 100, the door panel 104 andthe second part 134 b of the pocket handle assembly 134 with the firstpart 134 a illustrated in dashed line. When assembled, it can moreeasily be seen that the first part 134 a of the pocket handle assembly134, in particular the cap portion 102 a, is sandwiched between thepocket tab 146 and the grid structure 170.

A tip 188 of the at least one tab 160 can extend through the set of topflanges 120, specifically the J-flange 184 as illustrated. The fastener168 can extend through the first set of flanges hole 132 a (FIG. 5 )into the third set of mounting holes 162 (FIG. 5 ) to secure the secondleg 130 to the at least one tab 160. A corner 190 of the end mount 164can extend through the set of side flanges 118. The fastener 168 canextend through the second set of flanges hole 132 b (FIG. 5 ) into thefourth set of mounting holes 166 to secure the at least one top sideflange 124 to the end mount 164.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX of FIG. 8 . Itcan more clearly be seen that the fasteners 168 described herein can bevarying shapes depending on the set of mounting holes 140, 158, 162, 166they are received in. The second and third set of mounting holes 158,162 are visible. The pocket handle assembly 134 has been fully removedfrom the cross-section to more clearly see the end mount 164 orientationwith respect to the set of top flanges 120. The orientation of thefastener 168 with respect to the first and second legs 126, 130 of theJ-flange 184, along with the J-shape 182 can be more clearly seen aswell. Again, the fastener 168 passes through the first set of flangeholes 132 a and then the tab 160 into the third set of mounting holes162.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line X-X of FIG. 8 . Itcan more clearly be seen that the fasteners 168 described herein can bevarying shapes depending on the set of mounting holes 140, 158, 162, 166they are received in. The fourth set of mounting holes 166 isillustrated in the end mount 164. The orientation of the fastener 168with respect to the set of side flanges 118 can be more clearly seen.Again, the fastener 168 passes through the second set of flange holes132 b and then the end mount 164 into the fourth set of mounting holes166.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of a console 200 according to another aspectof the disclosure herein. The console 200 is substantially similar tothe console 100, therefore, like parts will be identified with likenumerals increased by 100. It should be understood that the descriptionof the like parts of the console 100 applies to the console 200 unlessotherwise noted.

A grid structure 270 can have a tessellated pattern in the form ofrepeated triangles. More specifically the grid structure 270 is anisogrid 292. The isogrid 292 has a raised thickness (T) from an innerconsole surface 250. The grid structure 270 can extend a length (L) andheight (H) along the inner console surface 250. The height (H) of thegrid structure 270 can be staggered in a step pattern as illustrated todefine a first and second height (H1, H2). The grid structure 270 can bethe isogrid 292, the hexagon pattern or a combination of both patternsdescribed herein.

At least one holder 280 can extend from the inner console surface 250.The at least one holder 280 can be a pair of parallel holders 294 forreceiving a mounting frame similar in function by variable in structureto the mounting frame 136 already described herein.

FIG. 12 is a front view of a door assembly 220 according to anotheraspect of the disclosure herein. The door assembly 220 is substantiallysimilar to the door assembly 20, therefore, like parts will beidentified with like numerals increased by 200. It should be understoodthat the description of the like parts of the door assembly 20 appliesto the console door assembly 220 unless otherwise noted.

The door assembly 220 can include, among other things, a console 300, apocket handle 302, and a door panel 304. Each of the console 300, pockethandle 302, and door panel 304 can be separate pieces coupled to eachother during assembly to define the door assembly 220 for accessing thedishwasher 10. The door panel 304 can include an indent 398 forreceiving a pocket assembly 334. The pocket assembly 334 can include apocket portion 302 b that can define the pocket handle 302. The pockethandle 302 is illustrated as an oblong rounded shape, it should beunderstood, however, that the pocket handle 302 can be any suitableshape enabling a user to grasp the pocket handle 302 in order to movethe door assembly 220 between the opened and closed positions.

Turning to FIG. 13 an exploded view of the door assembly 220 isillustrated. The pocket handle 302 can be formed in the pocket handleassembly 334. An inner panel surface 306 can span from a bottom of thedoor panel 304 to a top 312 of the door panel 304 and between opposingsides 314. A set of flanges 316 can extend from the inner panel surface306 for mounting with other components of the door assembly 220. The setof flanges 316 can include, but is not limited to, a set of side flanges318 and a set of top flanges 320.

The set of top flanges 320 can include a continuous strip 396 extendingtoward the treating chamber 16. The continuous strip 396 can extend in adirection generally perpendicular to the plane 308. The continuous strip396 can be continuously attached to the inner panel surface 306 along anentirety of the top 312 of the door panel 104. The continuous strip 396can include a third set of flange holes 332 c. The continuous strip 396can further include the indent 398 for receiving the pocket handleassembly 334. A fourth set of flange holes 332 d can be located in theindent 398.

The pocket handle assembly 334 can be a singular piece including apocket handle portion 302 b. A fifth set of mounting holes 340 a, by wayof non-limiting example a single mounting hole, can be located at acentral bottom portion of the pocket handle portion 302 b. The fifth setof mounting holes 340 a is similar in function but different inorientation to the first set of mounting holes 140 described herein. Thefifth set of mounting holes 340 a extend in a direction generallyparallel to the plane 308. The pocket handle portion 302 b can be shapedto mirror the indent 398. A mounting frame 336 can extend upwards fromthe pocket handle portion 102 a. A first set of pocket holes 338 a canbe located in an uppermost portion of the mounting frame 336.

The console 300 can include an inner console surface 350. The innerconsole surface 350 can extend in the same plane 308 as the inner panelsurface 306. The inner console surface 350 can span from a bottom 352 ofthe console 300 to a top 354 of the console 300 and between opposingsides 356 of the console 300. A lip 399 can extend from the inner panelsurface 306 and overlay the continuous strip 396 when assembled. A sixthset of mounting holes 362 a can be located in the lip 399. The sixth setof mounting holes 362 a is similar in function but different in locationto the third set of mounting holes 162 described herein. The sixth setof mounting holes 362 a extend in a direction generally parallel to theplane 308.

A grid structure 370 can be centrally located along the inner consolesurface 350. The grid structure can provide structural integrity for thedoor assembly 220 where the pocket handle 302 is located. Whileillustrated as similar to the grid structure 170, the grid structure 370can also be the isogrid 292, the hexagon pattern or a combination ofboth patterns described herein.

Turning to FIG. 14 , an enlarged assembled view of the door assembly 220is illustrated. When assembled, the lip 399 of the console 300 canoverlay the continuous strip 396 in such a manner that the third set offlange holes 332 c line up with the fifth set of mounting holes 362 a. Asuitable fastener 368, by way of non-limiting example a screw, canextend through the third set of flange holes 332 c and into the sixthset of mounting holes 362 a. Another suitable fastener 368 can extendthrough a second set of flange holes 332 b (FIG. 13 ) and into a fourthset of mounting holes 366. The pocket handle portion 302 b can bereceived in the indent 398. Another suitable fastener 368 can extendthrough the fourth set of flange holes 332 d and into the fifth set ofmounting holes 340 a. An additional suitable fastener 168 can extendthrough the first set of pocket holes 338 a and into a second set ofmounting holes 358 (FIG. 13 ) located near the top center of the console300. While each fastener 368 is illustrated as a screw of similar size,it should be understood that the fasteners 368 can be various size andshapes depending on the holes though which they are received.Furthermore, it should be understood that any number of fasteners iscontemplated.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XV-XV of FIG. 14 .The sixth set of mounting holes 362 a is visible. The indent 398 canmore clearly be seen as being a curved portion defining a bottom of thepocket handle 302. The orientation of the fastener 368 with respect tothe continuous strip 396 and the lip 399 can more clearly be seen. Thefastener 368 passes through the third set of flange holes 332 c and intothe sixth set of mounting holes 362 a.

Benefits associated with the disclosure described herein includedecreasing flex associated with the door panel when opening and closingthe door assembly described herein. In decreasing the flex any amount ofseparation between the various parts is also decreased or becomes zero.Coupling the pocket handle assembly to the console and door panel asdescribed herein increases rigidity. Additionally, adding the gridstructure to the console proximate the pocket handle decreases oreliminates flex caused by opening and closing the door assembly when thedishwasher is being used. Furthermore, the grid structure, and inparticular the isogrid, increase strength of the door while decreasingor maintaining the weight of the door. Reducing materials useddecreasing production cost. Increasing strength and rigidity improve thelifespan of the door assembly.

To the extent not already described, the different features andstructures of the various aspects can be used in combination with eachother as desired. That one feature cannot be illustrated in all of theaspects is not meant to be construed that it cannot be, but is done forbrevity of description. Thus, the various features of the differentaspects can be mixed and matched as desired to form new aspects, whetheror not the new aspects are expressly described. Combinations orpermutations of features described herein are covered by thisdisclosure. Moreover, while “a set of” various elements have beendescribed, it will be understood that “a set” can include any number ofthe respective elements, including only one element.

This written description uses examples to disclose aspects of thedisclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any personskilled in the art to practice aspects of the disclosure, includingmaking and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporatedmethods. While aspects of the disclosure have been specificallydescribed in connection with certain specific details thereof, it is tobe understood that this is by way of illustration and not of limitation.Reasonable variation and modification are possible within the scope ofthe forgoing disclosure and drawings without departing from the spiritof the disclosure, which is defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A dishwasher for treating dishes according to acycle of operation, the dishwasher comprising: a tub at least partiallydefining a treating chamber having an open face for receiving dishes;and a door assembly movable between opened and closed positions, thedoor assembly comprising: a door panel having an inner panel surfacefacing the treating chamber when the door assembly is in the closedposition, spanning between a top and a bottom and between opposingsides, and having a set of top flanges extending from the top of thedoor panel, a pocket handle assembly comprising a pocket handle defininga pocket width and a mounting frame located proximate the top of thedoor panel for selectively opening and closing the open face of the tub,a console positioned above the set of top flanges when the door assemblyis in the closed position such that the console defines a top of thedoor assembly, the console having at least one tab coupled to the set oftop flanges with a fastener, a grid structure integral with andcentrally located on the console at a location proximate the pockethandle, the grid structure having one of a hexagon or an isogrid patternand extending a length equal to or greater than the pocket width, thegrid structure commensurate in size with and overlapping with a positionof the pocket handle, and a set of fasteners extending through themounting frame and the console to mount the pocket handle assembly tothe console, wherein at least a portion of the mounting frame faces thegrid structure.
 2. The dishwasher of claim 1, further comprising apocket tab extending from the pocket handle facing the grid structureand coupled to the console with a fastener.
 3. The dishwasher of claim1, further comprising a set of side flanges including at least oneflange extending from at least one of the opposing sides at the top ofthe door panel.
 4. The dishwasher of claim 3 wherein the console furthercomprises at least one end mount coupled to the at least one flange inthe set of side flanges with a fastener.
 5. The dishwasher of claim 1wherein the set of top flanges comprises a J-flange having a first legextending away from the inner panel surface to a second leg extendingparallel to the inner panel surface, the J-flange open to the bottom ofthe door panel.
 6. The dishwasher of claim 5 wherein the first legincludes an opening for receiving the at least one tab and the secondleg includes a hole for receiving the fastener in a directionperpendicular to the inner panel surface.
 7. The dishwasher of claim 1wherein the set of top flanges comprise a continuous strip having aperpendicular portion extending perpendicularly away from the innerpanel surface.
 8. The dishwasher of claim 7 wherein the perpendicularportion includes an opening for receiving the fastener such that thefastener extends parallel to the inner panel surface.
 9. The dishwasherof claim 1 further comprising a first set of holes in the mounting frameand a second set of holes in the console, wherein the set of fastenersextend through the first and second set of holes.
 10. The dishwasher ofclaim 1 wherein at least a portion of the mounting frame contacts thegrid structure.
 11. A dishwasher for treating dishes according to acycle of operation, the dishwasher comprising: a tub at least partiallydefining a treating chamber having an open face for receiving dishes;and a door assembly movable between opened and closed positions, thedoor assembly comprising: a door panel having an inner panel surfacefacing the treating chamber when the door assembly is in the closedposition, spanning between a top and a bottom and between opposingsides, and having a set of side flanges extending from at least one ofthe opposing sides at the top of the door panel, a pocket handleassembly comprising a pocket handle defining a pocket width and amounting frame located proximate the top of the door panel forselectively opening and closing the open face of the tub, a consolepositioned above the top of the door panel when the door assembly is inthe closed position such that the console defines a top of the doorassembly, the console having at least one end mount coupled to the setof side flanges with a fastener, a grid structure integral with andcentrally located on the console at a location proximate the pockethandle, the grid structure having one of a hexagon or an isogrid patternand extending a length equal to or greater than the pocket width, thegrid structure having a commensurate surface area with and overlying aposition of the pocket handle so as to face the position of the pockethandle, and a set of fasteners extending through the mounting frame andthe console to mount the pocket handle assembly to the console, whereinat least a portion of the mounting frame faces the grid structure. 12.The dishwasher of claim 11, further comprising a pocket tab extendingfrom the pocket handle facing the grid structure and coupled to theconsole with a fastener.
 13. The dishwasher of claim 11 wherein theconsole spans between a top and a bottom and between opposing sides, andfurther wherein the at least one end mount is a triangular shape endmount extending from the bottom of the console at one of the opposingsides of the console, toward the bottom of the door panel and parallelthe opposing sides of the door panel, to define a corner of thetriangular shape end mount.
 14. The dishwasher of claim 11, furthercomprising a set of top flanges extending from the top of the doorpanel.
 15. The dishwasher of claim 14 wherein the console furthercomprises at least one tab coupled to the set of top flanges with afastener.
 16. A dishwasher for treating dishes according to a cycle ofoperation, the dishwasher comprising: a tub at least partially defininga treating chamber having an open face for receiving dishes; and a doorassembly movable between opened and closed positions, the door assemblycomprising: a door panel having an inner panel surface facing thetreating chamber when the door assembly is in the closed position,spanning between a top and a bottom and between opposing sides, a pockethandle assembly comprising a pocket handle defining a pocket width and amounting frame located proximate the top of the door panel forselectively opening and closing the open face of the tub, a consolepositioned above the top of the door panel when the door assembly is inthe closed position such that the console defines a top of the doorassembly, the console coupled to the top of the door panel andcomprising an isogrid structure at a location proximate the pockethandle, the isogrid structure extending a length coextensive andoverlapping with a position of the pocket width of the pocket handle,and a set of fasteners extending through the mounting frame and theconsole to mount the pocket handle assembly to the console, wherein atleast a portion of the mounting frame faces the isogrid structure. 17.The dishwasher of claim 16 wherein the length of the isogrid structureextends equal to or greater than the pocket width.
 18. The dishwasher ofclaim 16, further comprising a set of flanges extending from at leastone of the opposing sides at the top of the door panel.
 19. Thedishwasher of claim 18, further comprising at least one tab extendingfrom the console and coupled to the set of flanges with a fastener. 20.The dishwasher of claim 16, further comprising a pocket tab extendingfrom the pocket handle facing the isogrid structure and coupled to theconsole with a fastener.